JOHN KRYK, QMI Agency

The NFL club announced Monday that Canadians now have the chance to buy shares in the storied franchise.

It'll cost you $250 U.S. per share, with a $35 U.S. handling charge for each purchase transaction (no matter how many shares are bought).

Some 17,000 shares remained available last week, after some 280,000 went on sale earlier.

Green Bay is the only publicly owned team in the NFL.

"Since launching our sale in the United States, we've received a lot of interest from our fans in Canada," Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said in a story announcing the news on the team's website.

"After receiving approval from the NFL, we have now clarified the regulatory requirements in Canada and are excited to offer ownership to our fans there."

All proceeds from the offering will help pay for the $143-million expansion and upgrading of iconic Lambeau Field, set for completion by the 2013 season.

Shares can be bought online only (at www.packersowner.com) with Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards.

Only individuals (including spouses as "joint tenants") can buy shares, although shares can be bought as gifts for other people, including minors.

The sale ends Feb. 29, unless sold out before then. There is a 200-shares limit per buyer.

The Packers stress that these are not shares in the traditional market sense: "Anyone considering (this) should not purchase the stock to make a profit or to receive a dividend or tax deduction or any other economic benefits."

As well, purchasers will not receive the protection of Canadian or other securities laws.